Smashing Newsletter

We always try our best to challenge your artistic abilities and produce some interesting, beautiful and creative artwork, and as designers we usually turn to different sources of inspiration. As a matter of fact, we’ve discovered the best one—desktop wallpapers that are a little more distinctive than the usual crowd.

This post features free desktop wallpapers created by artists across the globe for January 2015. Both versions with a calendar and without a calendar can be downloaded for free. It’s time to freshen up your wallpaper!

Please note that:

All images can be clicked on and lead to the preview of the wallpaper,

You can feature your work in our magazine by taking part in our Desktop Wallpaper Calendars series. We are regularly looking for creative designers and artists to be featured on Smashing Magazine. Are you one of them?

Rest Up For The New Year

“I was browsing for themes when I found this “Festival of Sleep” that takes place on the 3rd, and I’m a big fan of sleep… Especially in these cold months after the holiday craziness, it’s nice to get cozy and take a nice nap.” — Designed by Dorothy Timmer from Central Florida, USA.

Time For A New Adventure

“I believe the new year brings the unique chance of a fresh start feeling. That’s way I believe it is a good time for us to change the things we don’t like and dare to take a crazy adventure with our loved ones.” — Designed by Maria Keller from Mexico.

New Year’s Resolutions

“When I think about a new upcoming year, I think about new year’s resolutions. Things you promise to yourself, but in the end almost everything goes back to it’s old habits. Hope you guys like the idea and the way that I have drawn/designed it.” — Designed by Sam Cornette from Belgium.

January Gem: Garnet

“The message of the birthstones have a powerful story to tell through shape, color, and three simple words. January is the Garnet, for guidance, loyalty, and truth.” — Designed by Anna from St. Louis, USA.

Three Wise Men Of The East

“In Belgium remember the Three Wise Men of the East is a tradition. It involves children going from door to door, dressed up as the three Wise Men. They sing a little song, in exchange for sweets and/or money. The design is very minimalistic and ‘flat’. I hope you like it :)” — Designed by Jeroen Bartels from Belgium.

Belly Laugh Day

“January can be a cold, dark, depressing month (for those of us in the northern hemisphere) but Global Belly Laugh Day on the 24th should cheer us up! This wallpaper featuring two cheeky characters was created to commemorate this.” — Designed by Oculus from the United Kingdom.

Join In Next Month!

Please note that we respect and carefully consider the ideas and motivation behind each and every artist’s work. This is why we give all artists the full freedom to explore their creativity and express emotions and experience throughout their works. This is also why the themes of the wallpapers weren’t anyhow influenced by us, but rather designed from scratch by the artists themselves.